We believe in the power of radical joy, storytelling, and cultural preservation, and our work is committed to fostering artistic excellence, promoting social change, and ensuring that Black Trans, queer, and femme performers can thrive in a world that too often seeks to erase them.
Meet the Gworls
Moonlight Alain Mikli
Moon Brown, also known in ballroom as Moonlight Alain Mikli, is a Black femme artist, organizer, and cultural producer whose work centers creative liberation as a pathway to resistance, healing, and community care. A spoken word artist and ballroom creative, Moon brings history, intention, and storytelling into every space she builds. As the founder of Moulin Noir Arts Collective, she creates platforms where Black femme and LGBTQ+ artists are centered, protected, celebrated and PAID, Rooted in the belief that artistry is a form of resistance, Moon’s work challenges norms, breaks barriers, and redefines what is possible—using creative expression as a catalyst for liberation, joy, and collective resilience.
Founder and Executive Producer
Rose Butae
Rosè BuTaè is a powerhouse burlesque performer and producer dedicated to the unapologetic celebration of Black femme bodies. As the founder of the Houzz of BuTaè, Rosè creates space where confidence, sensuality, and self-love are acts of resistance. Her work centers empowerment, visibility, and radical joy—reminding audiences that all bodies, and all bootays, matter.
Burlesque Creative Director
Jasmine Unfiltered is a photographer whose work is raw, intentional, and rooted in truth. Existing at the intersection of art, advocacy, and community, Jasmine uses photography as both expression and resistance. Deeply influenced by Black femme lineage, queer joy, and burlesque, their work centers the unapologetic reclamation of space and the belief that performance is not just entertainment, but an act of visibility and liberation.
PhotographerJasmine Unfiltered
Icon Midwest Hall of Famer Meko EBony
Legendary Meko Ebony is a Midwest Ballroom Hall of Famer and iconic commentator whose voice has shaped ballrooms across the region and beyond. Known for commanding the room with wit, knowledge, and undeniable presence, Meko brings history, hype, and heart to every floor they touch. As commentator for Moulin Noir, Meko Ebony carries the legacy of ballroom while elevating the energy, honoring the culture, and guiding the moment with legendary precision.
CommentatorOur Work
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Moulin Noir KC – Ball & Burlesque Showcase
Our signature event is an unparalleled fusion of ballroom and burlesque, celebrating Black femme, trans, and queer performers while honoring the art forms that have been revolutionary acts of resistance, survival, and joy. This event is a safe, affirming space where Black queer culture flourishes, featuring legendary ballroom figures, burlesque artists, spoken word poets, and musicians.
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Smoke & Verse!!
Inspired by the Harlem Renaissance’s Fire!! Magazine, Smoke & Verse!! is our digital and print zine dedicated to documenting the histories, narratives, and artistry of Black queer creatives. Featuring poetry, essays, visual art, and interviews, this project ensures that the voices of Black femme and LGBTQ+ artists are recorded and archived for future generations.
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Tiny Shell Sessions
In partnership with Midtown Kava, we produce Tiny Shell Sessions, an intimate concert series inspired by Tiny Desk, showcasing the musical brilliance of and centering Black femme and LGBTQ+ artists. These sessions highlight the power of storytelling through song, giving artists a platform to share their work in safe, supportive spaces.
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the Kiki Collective and 816 Vogue
In partnership with Kiki Collective and 816 Vogue founded by Zodiacx Blamain, Boo Juicy Couture, and Korea Alain Mikli Keeping ballroom traditions alive through mentorship and movement.
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Moulin Noir Toolkit:Our Safety is our Collective Power
Created by Moulin Noir Arts Collective to ensure that Black femme and LGBTQ+ artists can thrive in creative spaces that are safe, affirming, and rooted in care. We believe in our celebration without harm, joy without compromise, and performance grounded in protection.
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Creative Liberation
A practice and movement of using art, movement, storytelling, and radical self expression as tools for healing, resistance, and collective liberation. Reclaiming rest, joy, and creativity as essential for our survival and activism.